A former Transport for NSW employee has confessed to taking bribes and luxury gifts from contractors in a corruption scheme worth millions. Ibrahim Helmi allegedly received $11.5 million in kickbacks linked to $343 million in contracts.

Council of the City of Sydney

Ibrahim Helmi, a former employee of Transport for New South Wales, appeared before a corruption inquiry after evading police for four months. During the hearing, Helmi admitted to receiving gifts and benefits from contractors while overseeing regional road work contracts. Authorities allege that nine companies were awarded contracts worth at least $343 million, with Helmi receiving $11.5 million in kickbacks. Police seized gold, platinum, and silver bars, as well as cash and a money counter, from his home during a raid. Helmi was arrested after being found hiding in a cupboard and is expected to continue giving evidence in the inquiry.

Transport NSW official admits taking $11.5M in kickbacks

He evaded police for four months, but there was no hiding today for Ibrahim Helmi, hauled up before the corruption watchdog over a multi-million dollar kickback scheme within Transport for New South Wales. And you did not come forward of your own volition? I, to be honest, I had planned to. During his employment, the 38-year-old had secured contracts for regional road work. Today, he made this admission. Whilst you were in the employ of Transport for New South Wales, did you receive any gift or benefit from any contractor on any of the panels for which you were responsible? Yes. It's alleged that nine companies were awarded at least $343 million in contracts, Helmi then pocketing $11.5 million in return. Gold, platinum and silver bars were seized when his home was raided last year. Alongside cash and a money counter, Helmi's voice heard in this video sent to a co-conspirator. Hey, let's count it. Mr Helmi was still on the run when the hearings began in July, but the then fugitive confirmed that he'd been tuning into the live stream from his rented room he was paying for in cash at Lakemba. Did you also hear me say in that opening that a warrant had been issued for your apprehension? Yes. The 38-year-old was finally arrested last month. Did police find you hiding in a cupboard inside those premises when they arrested you? Yes. Mr Helmi was paid $40,000 in accrued leave by Transport for New South Wales when he was fired late last year. He said most of that has gone to legal fees. The 38-year-old is expected to continue to give evidence for the rest of the week. Hannah Taylor, 10 News.

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